Deaths Prompt FDA to Pull DMAA-Containing Supplements From the Market

Washington, DC: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a statement concerning supplements that contain the stimulant dimethylamylamine (DMAA), notifying consumers that it is using "all available tools at its disposal" to eliminate DMAA-containing supplements from the market.

As of April 11, 2013, FDA had received 86 reports of illnesses and death associated with supplements containing DMAA. The illnesses reported include heart problems and nervous system or psychiatric disorders.

DMAA is most commonly used in supplements promising weight loss, muscle building and performance enhancement; it can elevate blood pressure and could lead to cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest. Given the known biological activity of DMAA, the ingredient may be particularly dangerous when used with caffeine. Some examples of products containing include OxyElite Pro and Jack3d.

The FDA has warned companies known to be using DMAA in dietary supplements that those products containing this ingredient are illegal. Such warnings offer the quickest way at the FDA's disposal to halt the further distribution of dietary supplements containing DMAA in the marketplace. In fact, all but one of the companies sent a Warning Letter have agreed to stop using DMAA as an ingredient in their dietary supplements. The one company that has yet to agree to such action, USPLabs, has responded to the FDA's warning by submitting published studies that purport to challenge the FDA's conclusions.

However, after reviewing the studies provided by USPLabs, the FDA has found the information insufficient to defend the use of DMAA as an ingredient in dietary supplements.

The FDA is advising that consumers look for DMAA listed on the product label. Other names that refer to DMAA are:

1,3-DMAA
1,3-Dimethylamylamine
1,3-Dimethylpentylamine
2-Amino-4-methylhexane
2-Hexanamine
4-Methyl-2-hexanamine
4-Methyl-2-hexylamine
4-methyl- (9CI)
Dimethylamylamine
Geranamine
Methylhexanamine
Methylhexanenamine

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Last updated on Apr-15-13